Sometimes people who struggle with eating may not have weight or shape concerns. Other difficulties may include loss of appetite, anxiety, low mood, worrying about vomiting or contamination and decreasing strong emotions.

It is possible to get support for these difficulties. The main focus may not need to be on food, but on other contributing factors to the eating difficulties.

Loss of appetite

When some people are really anxious and scared or down, they lose their appetite and lose weight by accident. This is serious and worrying, but when this is the main problem, it is important to focus on anxiety and to try and help with these worries. It does still mean support may be needed to help to eat more as it is tricky to start eating regularly when you’ve not eaten enough for a long time.

Worrying about vomiting

Sometimes people feel nauseous when they are worried and might be scared of getting sick. This can lead to worries about eating at places like school or not eating enough and can lead to accidental weight loss. Therefore, support around feeling sick and finding a safe way of being able to eat more regularly is needed. This can also help reduce feelings of nausea. When you’re out of the habit of eating regularly, it can be tricky to start again.

Decreasing strong emotions

Sometimes when people feel overwhelmed and desperate, stopping eating is a way of shutting down feelings and trying to feel calmer and more in control. When this is happening, we might need to focus on how overwhelmed you feel and how we support you to manage the problems that are causing you to feel this way. We need to keep you safe, but would also avoid focusing too much on food. Regular eating is necessary for good health.

When someone is struggling with eating, is important to stay curious, keep an open mind, and explore differences.